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The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have completely besieged the Baath Dam in Raqqa province, which constitutes one of the key strongholds for Islamic State’s (ISIS) militants, officials said on Thursday.

The operation was launched to strengthen the defensive lines of Tabqa city, which was recently liberated by the Kurdish-led SDF troops.

The SDF is currently engaged in clashes with ISIS militants east of Tabqa city, amidst a reported ISIS decline.

“After taking over the village of Qabab, the SDF headed to the Hamam village which is 500 meters from the Baath Dam and 20 kilometers east of Tabqa city,” the local Hawar agency reported.

The SDF fighters entered the Qabab village on Wednesday, after heavy clashes with ISIS militants. The SDF then claimed full liberation of the village and began an operation to clear the area of ISIS leftovers and explosives.

In the operation several ISIS fighters were killed. The SDF also seized 115 Kalashnikovs, several heavy weapons and a large deal of ammunition.

The Hamam village was the last ISIS-held village on the road to the Baath Dam. However, due to the threat of mines placed by ISIS, the SDF fighters move cautiously and slowly towards the dam.

It’s expected that the SDF soon will move on to enter Raqqa.

“Our forces are soon in position for the liberation of Raqqa. We have taken alot of ground East and West of Raqqa. Soon we will make the push,” SDF member Jesper Söder told ARA News.